We Still Belong

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

A thoughtful and heartfelt middle grade novel by American Indian Youth Literature Honor–winning author Christine Day (Upper Skagit), about a girl whose hopeful plans for Indigenous Peoples’ Day (and asking her crush to the dance) go all wrong—until she finds herself surrounded by the love of her Indigenous family and community at the intertribal powwow.

In this warm hug of a novel, award-winning author Christine Day assures readers that even with all the very real problems they may face, they are worthy, their voices matter—and they belong.Today is a big day for Wesley. Her poem about Indigenous Peoples’ Day will be printed in the school newspaper—and she also has a plan to ask her crush, fellow gamer Ryan, to go with her to the school dance.But from the moment she boards the morning bus, Wesley's day starts to unravel. Between jittery emotions, unexpected encounters, and awkward conversations with her teachers, almost nothing about her day goes according to plan. Still, the day has even more surprises in store for Wesley when she attends an intertribal powwow, where she learns some truths that aren’t surprising at all. Including the truth that she is just as brave—and as loved—as she could dream.

About the Author

Christine Day (Upper Skagit) grew up in Seattle, nestled between the sea, the mountains, and the pages of her favorite books. Her two previous novels, I Can Make This Promise and The Sea in Winter, were both selected as American Indian Youth Literature Award Honor Books and named best books of the year by numerous media outlets. Christine lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and daughter.